Mock draft season is upon us.
So much still has to happen before April 23 and the kickoff of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. The Combine is later this month and free agency is less than a month away.
Detroit has a nice core of players set to return in 2025, but bolstering the offensive and defensive lines and the secondary could be in the cards, depending on what happens in free agency.
Here's my first prediction at what will happen with Mock Draft 1.0. Feel free to disagree.
1. Las Vegas (3-14)
It seems destined for the Raiders to select a quarterback in the first round for the first time since 2007.
Pick: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana. The Heisman Trophy winner and national champion is clearly the top quarterback in the class and someone Las Vegas can start to build their franchise around.
2. New York Jets (3-14)
The Jets own two first-round picks and four in the top 50. They need an infusion of young talent on both sides of the football.
Pick: EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State. Head coach Aaron Glenn loves versatile defenders, and Reese might be the most versatile player in the draft with his ability to play on the line of scrimmage as an edge rusher and in space as an off-ball linebacker.
View photos from Ford Field's catwalk during the 2025 season.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18), Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0), Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (1), and Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) celebrate after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) celebrate a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21), Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4), Detroit Lions safety Daniel Thomas (2), Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson (97) celebrate during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Stephanie VanWagoner/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) runs with the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Stephanie VanWagoner/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback D.J. Reed (4) makes a tackle during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Stephanie VanWagoner/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) celebrate during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Stephanie VanWagoner/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Stephanie VanWagoner/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 in Detroit. (Stephanie VanWagoner/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions punter Jack Fox (3) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 in Detroit. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (6) interception during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) scores a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 in Detroit. (Stephanie VanWagoner/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) celebrates a touchdown with Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) and Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) in action during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 in Detroit. (Stephanie VanWagoner/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Detroit. (Josh Mandujano/Detroit Lions via AP)
3. Arizona (3-14)
The big question in Arizona is who will be playing quarterback for the Cardinals in 2026 but there's no clear QB option here at No. 3.
Pick: T Spencer Fano, Utah. Fano's selection will help whoever ends up under center in Arizona as he can plug and play at either tackle or guard. Seems like a great fit at right tackle opposite Paris Johnson Jr. and the Cardinals would have bookend tackles for the foreseeable future.
4. Tennessee (3-14)
Last year's No. 1 pick QB Cam Ward needs help on offense, but Tennessee also needs to bolster a defense that ranked 28th in points allowed in 2025.
Pick: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State. One of the top remaining edge rushers certainly fits too, but Tennessee's leading receiver last season, Elic Ayomanor, had just 515 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Tate gives Ward a big-play threat after averaging 17.2 yards per catch for the Buckeyes in 2025.
5. New York Giants (4-13)
With a nice collection of young offensive skill players set to return, new head coach John Harbaugh goes to work fixing New York's 28th ranked defense in 2025.
Pick: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU. Delane has a chance to be New York's top cornerback Day 1 and is considered the best cornerback in the class after recording six interceptions and 18 passes defended the last two seasons combined for Virginia Tech and LSU.
6. Cleveland (5-12)
A wide receiver or edge rusher could be in play, but Cleveland needs to address a patchwork offensive line that surrendered 51 sacks in 2025.
Pick: T Francis Mauigoa, Miami. Terrific size and strength with plenty of room to grow and develop.
7. Washington (5-12)
Washington must address a defense that was last in the league in total defense (384.3 ypg) and middle of the road in sacks (42).
Pick: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech. Bailey has a great get-off and production to match after recording 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss for the Red Raiders this past season.
8. New Orleans (6-11)
The Saints need help along their defensive front and secondary and could use help at receiver too, but this is a good spot at No. 8 for best player available.
Pick: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame. Giving a young quarterback like Tyler Shough arguably the best playmaker in the draft seems like a perfect pairing for the Saints.
9. Kansas City (6-11)
A rare chance for the Chiefs picking in the top 10 to get a young playmaker on either side of the ball.
Pick: DL Rueben Bain Jr., Miami. Bain would add a much-needed disruptor up front in Kansas City as the Chiefs recorded just 35 sacks in 2025. Bain had 9.5 sacks and a whopping 71 pressures last season for the Hurricanes.
10. Cincinnati (6-11)
The Bengals must start finding some young, foundational players on defense.
Pick: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State. Downs has a terrific football IQ and great instincts and can be a versatile player in the back end of the Bengals' defense. Cincinnati hasn't ranked higher than 25th in total defense the last three seasons since All-Pro safety Jessie Bates Jr. left.
11. Miami (7-10)
New head coach Jeff Hafley knows fixing a Dolphins' defense that finished last in opponent completion percentage (72.0) and 30th in passes defended (53) is a priority.
Pick: CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee. McCoy sat out the 2025 season with a torn ACL but that happened last January so he should be ready to go this spring. His 2024 tape was elite and he seems like a perfect fit in Hafley's new defense in Miami.
View photos of NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah's first ranking of his Top 50 prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.
No. 1 QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
No. 2 RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
No. 3 EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
No. 4 EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
No. 5 LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
No. 6 EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
No. 7 WR Makai Lemon, USC
No. 8 CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
No. 9 WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
No. 10 S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
No. 11 OL Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
No. 12 OT Spencer Fano, Utah
No. 13 OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
No. 14 CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
No. 15 WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
No. 16 CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
No. 17 EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
No. 18 EDGE Akheem Mesidor, Miami
No. 19 S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
No. 20 WR Denzel Boston, Washington
No. 21 TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
No. 22 LB CJ Allen, Georgia
No. 23 OT Blake Miller, Clemson
No. 24 OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
No. 25 S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
No. 26 DT Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
No. 27 EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
No. 28 OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
No. 29 OT Caleb Lomu, Utah
No. 30 CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
No. 31 CB Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
No. 32 WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
No. 33 DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
No. 34 DT Peter Woods, Clemson
No. 35 EDGE R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
No. 36 WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
No. 37 DT Christen Miller, Georgia
No. 38 EDGE T.J. Parker, Clemson
No. 39 DT Caleb Banks, Florida
No. 40 QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
No. 41 OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
No. 42 LB Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
No. 43 RB Jadarian Price, Notre Dame
No. 44 WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
No. 45 WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
No. 46 WR Deion Burks, Oklahoma
No. 47 LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati
No. 48 WR Zachariah Branch, Georgia
No. 49 OL Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M
No. 50 WR Chris Bell, Louisville
12. Dallas (7-9-1)
The Cowboys could use an infusion of young defensive talent along all three levels.
Pick: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State. The former safety turned linebacker can fit gaps and run sideline-to-sideline as an instant playmaker in the second level for the Cowboys.
13. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
The Rams struggled at times this season limiting opponent passing attacks and that was certainly the case in the NFC Championship Game loss to Seattle – 334 passing yards allowed and three touchdowns.
Pick: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee. It's been six drafts since the Rams addressed their cornerback position with a top 100 pick. Hood can be a plug-and-play starter.
14. Baltimore (8-9)
The Ravens could use help along both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Pick: G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State. The interior of Baltimore's offensive line could look much different next season if center Tyler Linderbaum leaves in free agency. Ioane is a classic Ravens pick as a plug-and-play road grader inside with nimble feet.
15. Tampa Bay (8-9)
The Bucs have some key defensive players scheduled to hit free agency – CB Jamel Dean and LB Lavonte David – and need to start infusing some young talent into that unit.
Pick: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn. Faulk has terrific size (6-6, 270) and his skillset translates well to the NFL even with a lack of production in 2025 (2.0 sacks) in Auburn's mostly three-man front. Put him on the edge and let him go.
View photos of Detroit Lions players competing at the 2026 Pro Bowl Games in San Francisco.
NFC wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, middle, of the Detroit Lions, scores against the AFC during the first half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) carries the ball during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) scores a touchdown during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
AFC running back James Cook (4), of the Buffalo Bills, is tackled by NFC linebacker Jack Campbell (46), of the Detroit Lions, during the first half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) and Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrate after St. Brown scored a touchdown during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) plays during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
NFC quarterback Jared Goff (16), of Detroit Lions, passes the ball against the AFC during the first half of the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown yells during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
AFC wide receiver Nico Collins, of the Houston Texans, middle, runs against NFC free safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31), of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and linebacker Jack Campbell, of the Detroit Lions, during the first half of NFL Pro Bowl football game in San Francisco, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) talks with Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP Content Services for the NFL)
NFC quarterbacks Dak Prescott (4), of the Dallas Cowboys, Jared Goff (16), of Detroit Lions, and quarterback Jalen Hurts (1), of the Philadelphia Eagles, are introduced before the NFL Pro Bowl football game against the AFC, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
NFC running back Bijan Robinson (7), of the Atlanta Falcons, tight end Trey McBride (85), of the Arizona Cardinals, tight end Jake Ferguson (87), of the Dallas Cowboys, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0), of the Detroit Lions, are introduced before the NFL Pro Bowl football game against the AFC, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) and Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard (31) talk during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) and Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) talk during the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl Games on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL)
NFC quarterback Jared Goff (16), of Detroit Lions, celebrates with running back Christian McCaffrey (23), of the San Francisco 49ers, after the NFL Pro Bowl football game against the AFC, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
16. New York Jets (3-14)
After securing arguably the best defensive player in the draft at No. 2, the Jets now look to their offense.
Pick: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State. Able to play every receiver spot on the field with a track record of production. Could be a great fit alongside Garrett Wilson.
17. Detroit (9-8)
It wouldn't surprise me if the Lions look to free agency for an upgrade at center and use the draft to add a young tackle. Whether left tackle Taylor Decker decides to retire or not, the Lions need a succession plan.
Detroit could also look to select a young pass rusher to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson with some promising edge players who fit their desired athletic profile at the position still on the board.
I just get the sense it's of importance for both GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell to get the offensive line back to being a strength of this football team like it was in 2023 and 2024.
Pick: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama. Proctor is a massive human being at 6-foot-7, 366 pounds who fits in Detroit's plans to have a powerful and explosive rushing offense. Proctor can also push inside and play guard and excel there with his size and athletic combo.
Also considered: T Caleb Lomu (Utah), EDGE Akheem Mesidor (Miami), EDGE Zion Young (Missouri), EDGE Cashius Howell (Texas A&M), S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo).
